As masks, sanitizer and other items continue to be in short supply amid the spread of the new coronavirus, members of other industries are increasingly becoming involved in production.
In addition to applying their own technology and facilities to the manufacture of such items, companies are providing their know-how to help others increase production.
Sharp Corp. has begun manufacturing masks at its liquid-crystal panel factory in Mie Prefecture. Given the high capability of its clean rooms to exclude dust, it was deemed easy to apply the factory to that purpose.
"This is an operation we can continue over the long term," Sharp Chairman and President J.W. Tai said in a message to employees on April 1, indicating his plan to prioritize these efforts for a while.
Yamamoto Corp., which handles material for swimsuits, has developed masks using material for wetsuits and begun sales.
Similar activities are taking place overseas. In the United States, Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. are using 3D printers normally applied to such purposes as the manufacture of experimental parts, to instead produce face shields to protect medical staff from infection.
Toyota's local entity in the United States is supporting such efforts as distribution and parts production. The company has reached an agreement to support two manufacturers of ventilators, and has also established a channel through which manufacturers of medical equipment and others can consult with each other.
Shiseido Japan Co. and Suntory Holdings Ltd. have started making sanitizer in Europe and the United States, and are providing it free to local medical institutions.
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